Design of Periodic Cellular Structures for Heat Exchanger Applications
Abstract
Powder based metal additive manufacturing processes generally produce parts with a textured
surface. Although surface roughness is undesirable in most cases, it can be advantageous for
applications such as heat exchangers or catalyst support structures. While stochastic metal foams
have been used for these applications, it is not possible to tailor the foam geometry to the
application. SFF techniques permit designers to use different cell geometries and orientations to
achieve specific performance objectives. More specifically, the unit cell type and size, ligament
size, and cell orientation have a considerable influence on surface area, volume, density and fluid
flow behavior of the lattice structure. This paper illustrates the effect of the orientation of
hexagonal periodic cellular structures on heat transfer and pressure drop. Finite element analysis
of air flowing through the hot hexagonal periodic cellular structures shows the effect of
orientation on heat transfer and pressure drop. The analysis indicates that the ideal orientation is
dependent on the specific application.